Good governance is key for future success

The release of ADA’s publication ‘Good Governance for Internal Drainage Board Members’ has been warmly welcomed by some of the most knowledgeable lawyers working with the water management sector.

With significant interests in ensuring IDBs are compliant with the ever-changing legislative world, the trio of experts also echoed the words of ADA chairman Robert Caudwell.

In the publication’s opening welcome, Robert reminds Drainage Board members how they are part of the country’s ‘democratic framework’ and while they are not expected to be experts in all areas of water management, they have a responsibility to represent the interests of their communities.

This spring, three colleagues from leading regional law firm Wilkin Chapman solicitors took part in a five-long series of seminars across the country, which were delivered to IDBs and associated organisations.

Led by the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire firm’s Regulatory Partner Jonathan Goolden and supported by Senior solicitor Adam Ottley and Regulatory Executive Gino Ballestracci, the events highlighted the need for good governance and transparency to run throughout every IDB – ensuring their protection should something go wrong, while also increasing confidence in their abilities.

Adam commented: “When you consider, for example, the legislative world of GDPR and information governance there must be, not only an overarching understanding, but full compliance.

“A small IDB is equally as culpable as a large public authority and as a result must act with a good degree of professionalism, with an awareness that the relevant board members are accountable for the actions of the IDB,” he added.